Hello again. I see this discussed over social media so much and I always try to stay out of the conversations because there is so much that is misunderstood about the College Recruiting Process and so many people are guided by misinformation. So. let's break down the responsibilities as I see them through my business as a coach and a Recruiting Consultant on a national level. I see so many posts these days with so much misinformation on exactly how the recruiting process is run. So many people say to do stuff, like email, contact colleges and promote yourself. This only goes so far. While you may think that coaches take your word and that of your parents as gold, this is not the case. Eventually, college coaches want to hear from someone outside of your parents who think you have the ability to play and coincide in their program and school. I run my business in a very organized and efficient way. Number one is telling the family and the child exactly where I think their best interests and abilities are. D1 D2 D3 NAIA or JUCO. There are so many factors that I take into account to determine this. First, I look at videos, talk to the athlete, check my contacts in the area and take into account your grades, family and total support system. I then consult with you and tell you exactly what I think and if your expectations are the same as mine. This is usually the point where we reach an agreement or part ways. I will not promote and market players at a level where I think there is no way they can play or achieve at that level. While I have many clients, we are all on the same page as to what we are looking to achieve for the athlete and family.
High School Coach - This has definitely decreased over the years. It used to be that HS coaches took pride in promoting their athletes and would do everything they could to get them into college programs because they could use that as part of promotion for their program. Now, with the addition of Travel, Elite, Summer, whatever you want to call them, a lot of these coaches have taken over the coach's responsibility of promoting and evaluating the athletes they think can play in college. As a HS and Elite Coach which I still do now coaching Rawlings Tigers Pittsburgh Elite my players will tell me who they have been in contact with and ask for my recommendation. I will let them know if this is what I think is possible and also tell them here is a where I think they can best "Right Fit" into places. High School Coaches I think are getting a bad rap like they don't want to help their players. The honest thing I think is that players do not trust what HS coaches will report on them.
Travel Coaches - There are some great programs and coaches out there who I think really are outstanding in getting their players info to colleges and also showing they compete at a high level. Do I think they give a comprehensive, in depth report on their kids, families, grades, behaviors, interactions. Some are very good at it and some "Sugar Coat" these qualities and in turn do not do the player, family, and school justice in the recruiting process. It is true that many college coaches interact and see the travel or summer coach more but due diligence will be done by big time colleges asking for information from everyone involved.
Parents - I know you love your kids and want the best for them but the best thing you can do as I tell my players and clients is stay out of the process and just communicate with the kids, coaches or recruiting consultants about all that is going on. The last thing that college coaches want to get involved in with the process is an over bearing parent. You are usually crossed off the list even if your player is a kid that could possibly play at that program. Parents that are constantly on Social Media talking about programs, coaches, situations and sharing your negative thoughts on your school or opponent or their fans. Guess what, you are being evaluated.
What I do and how it works with all of the above information. When I have a free evaluation with a prospect I take in all of the things I have written about above. I evaluate your HS, Travel programs. I take in your behaviors and that of your parents and their abilities to let me work with you directly on proceeding in a way that will be in your best interest. Will you communicate with me, coaches and do be proactive and aggressive in your recruiting process. The main responsibility will focus on you and your interactions with college coaches. I can get you contacts and start the process but it is up to you as far as communication with me, coaches and also doing so in a timely manner and showing that you respect the process and that each coach is contacting you.
I love teaching this to players and families and how this all adds up to you as being recognized as a potential player who can help schools, programs and coaches on the next level. If you would like to contact me for a FREE CONSULTATION on how I can Game Plan you through THE PROCESS contact me. Thank you and I am wishing everyone reading this a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season.
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